What Kirby Smart said about D’Wan Mathis’ status, UGA win over South Carolina
Georgia quarterback D’Wan Mathis, who started the season-opening game at Arkansas, did not travel with the team for its 45-16 win over South Carolina. Mathis left the team, according to a report from Dawgs247.
The Telegraph asked Georgia head coach Kirby Smart to comment on the development. He did not confirm or deny Mathis’ departure.
“D’Wan and I have had several conversations. D’Wan has been very communicative. He’s handled it well,” Smart said. “The stuff that goes on with D’Wan and us is really a team-related deal. I’m not going to comment on it. D’Wan has handled everything with first class.”
Mathis, after recovering from brain surgery in the summer of 2019, earned the starting nod for Georgia at Arkansas. He played six drives and was replaced by Stetson Bennett, who started each contest until JT Daniels took over on Nov. 21 against Mississippi State.
Mathis appeared in the loss to Florida and threw his first-career touchdown pass to Kearis Jackson. Mathis was a four-star recruit who flipped to Georgia from Ohio State.
Mathis has not yet entered the transfer portal, a source said.
Daniels threw for 139 yards and two touchdowns in the 45-16 win over the Gamecocks.
RUN SUCCESS COMES VS. ‘BEAT-UP’ SC TEAM
Georgia didn’t reinvent the wheel after having only eight rushing yards against Mississippi State. Smart knew South Carolina would present something that Georgia could take advantage of: a lack of defensive depth.
Georgia ran for a season-high 332 yards. James Cook led the way with 104 yards and two touchdowns. Zamir White had two scores of his own with 79 yards. Freshman Daijun Edwards had a powerful string of runs with 77 yards on 14 carries. Edwards had a touchdown called back on an illegal motion penalty.
“We played a team that had three or four guys out,” Smart said. “They had some issues that probably hurt their depth. They’re a very beat-up football team and probably not as stout as Mississippi State up front.”
Smart applauded his stable of running backs for a physical approach. He said they “didn’t play down to (South Carolina’s) level.”
SMART REALIZES GRUELING LENGTH OF SEASON
Smart opened his discussion of the win over South Carolina with a topic not directly related to football. He commended his team for following strict COVID-19 protocols since the season began Sept. 26.
Smart said the 2020 season is longer than most because of the constant concern. There’s an exhaustion from it. He said players have had to stay away from family members in the hospital because of the plans to keep a bubble-like system within the program.
Smart said he has spoken to other coaches who have had trouble convincing players not to opt out. Former quarterback Jamie Newman is the lone Bulldog to opt out due to COVID-19 concerns.
Over the Thanksgiving holiday and two off weeks, those on the team faced different challenges. Smart saw a need to emphasize that as they’ve stayed together through eight games and tallied another road win at South Carolina.
“They can’t really go anywhere. They can’t do anything,” Smart said. “They’re scared to death of getting COVID or affecting a teammate. It’s tough.”
FAREWELL TO THE FRIENDSHIP BOWL
This chapter of the so-called Friendship Bowl between Smart and South Carolina interim coach Mike Bobo had a lopsided result.
The two former teammates at Georgia and longtime friends faced off as head coaches for the first time. Smart didn’t feel bad for having a convincing upper hand.
Smart credited his offensive work and how freshman quarterback Luke Doty was able to string together a few successful Gamecock drives.
“He doesn’t want my pity. He’s a football coach,” Smart said. “He motivates his team and they had some good spark.”
This story was originally published November 28, 2020 at 11:32 PM with the headline "What Kirby Smart said about D’Wan Mathis’ status, UGA win over South Carolina."